Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device is provided which includes a plurality of display panels arranged side-by-side in a series and means for capturing a panel at one end of the series and moving it in a positively controlled manner to a position at the opposite end of the series.

United States Patent Reese et al.

[151 3,696,536 [451 Oct. 10, 1972 [54] DISPLAY DEVICE [72] Inventors: Frank P. Reese, 2785 E. 7000 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119; LeRoy D. Yancey, 1834 S. Oakmont Drive, Bountiful, Utah 84l2l 221 Filed: March 12, 1969 211 Appl. No.: 806,588

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 603,658, Dec.

21, 1966, abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. ..40/35, 40/734, 40/77.7 [51] Int. Cl ..G09f 11/06 [58] Field of Search ..40/35, 72, 73, 76, 73.4

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,050,936 l/ l 9 l 3 Fletcher ..40/73.4 522,979 7/1894 Fawkes ..40/35 X 739,635 9/ l 903 Anderson ..40/35 793,348 6/1905 Carr ..40/35 1,294,130 2/1919 Lough ..40/35 Primary Examiner-Wm. H. Grieb Attorney-Anderson, Luedeka, Fitch, Even and Tabin [57] ABSTRACT A display device is provided which includes a plurality of display panels arranged side-by-side in a series and means for capturing a panel at one end of the series and moving it in a positively controlled manner to a position at the opposite end of the series.

16 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEDum 1 0 I972 SHEET 2 [1F 4 tBuG 48228 9203.86

DISPLAY DEVICE This application is a continuation-inpart of application Ser. No. 603,658, filed Dec. 21, 1966, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to display devices and, more particularly, to display devices wherein a series of displays may be presented successively on a display plane.

Display devices are known in than which provide a plurality of successive displays on a display plane. The displays may consist of illustrations and/or words such as, for example, a succession of portions of a graphic or written narrative. Such devices are of utility in connection with advertising displays and may be useful for other display purposes, such as teaching and television prompting.

One general form of display device which is known in the art is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 522,979; 739,635; and 793,348. These patents were cited during the prosecution of the application of which the present application is a continuation-in-part. In each patent, a display device is shown which includes display cards or panels mounted for pivotal movement about a common axis. In each patent, a mechanism is provided for engaging a surface of the card or panel and causing it to pivot about its axis from one display position to another. However, in each case, the card is merely pushed to effect its pivotal movement. Thus, if the display plane is not substantially vertical, there is a strong possibility that the panels will not pivot at a uniform rate. For example, if the display plane is inclined forwardly, a card or panel may swing outwardly at a rate faster than the rate of movement of the pushing member, and then halt after a 90 movement until the pushing member catches up. A similar variation in the rate of movement of a panel would result if the display plane is inclined rearwardly, except that the panel would lead the pushing member in such a case during the last quarter rotation of its travel. Thus, with such devices, it is necessary that care be taken to position the device in such a manner that the display plane is substantially vertical. Such devices are also not suitable for uses in which the display plane is deliberately inclined if uniform movement of the panels is desired.

A similar problem is presented where the devices are positioned outdoors in a windy environment where the panels are free to be blown back and forth. This not only subjects the panels to damage, but substantially reduces the effectiveness of the display, which is appreciably enhanced by a uniform change in the display pattern.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved display device wherein a plurality of successive displays may be presented on a display plane.

Another object of the invention is to provide a reliable display device wherein a plurality of panel assemblies are successively pivoted by an improved mechanism which provides positive control of such panel assemblies at all times.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a display device and apparatus which provides reliability and structural stability at low cost of manufacture, operation and maintenance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a display device and apparatus having maximum versatility and attractiveness at minimum cost.

A still further object of the invention is to provide improved display apparatus which may be programmed for a variety of visual effects.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide an improved panel assembly for a display device.

Another more particular object'of the invention is to provide an improved hinge assembly for pivotally supporting a plurality of panels in a display device.

Other objects and the various advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with portions broken away, of a display device showing various of the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional plan view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partially broken away fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic view, but otherwise similar to that shown in FIG. 3, illustrating an alternative form of the portion of the device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational view taken along the line 55 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional plan view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the upper part of a panel assembly utilized in the device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lower part of the panel assembly of which the upper part is shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged bottom view of one element of the device; and

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the element of FIG. 9.

A display device 10 constituting one embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings and includes a plurality of display panel assemblies 11 (FIGS. 7 and 8) hinged for 360 pivotal movement about a common axis. Each panel assembly is wedge-shaped as viewed in plan (FIGS. 2 and 8) and defines an apex or edge 38 positioned so as to substantially coincide with such pivotal axis. The panel assemblies include a plurality of bumpers 12 which project between the panel assemblies a distance sufficient to position a series of the panel assemblies at a plurality of substantially evenly spaced stations through an arc of approximately Latches 13 and 14 (FIG. 5) are provided for confining the series of panel assemblies adjacent to each other within such an are so that the panel assemblies at opposite ends of the series are disposed with aligned surfaces lying in a single display plane.

The device is operated by an actuating member 16 mounted for rotation about an axis coinciding with the pivotal axis of the panel assemblies. The actuating member is rotatable continuously or intermittently, as desired, in either of two opposite directions, and has an extensible finger l7 thereon for selectively capturing a panel assembly and causing it to rotate. Cams l8 and 19 are provided which are operable in response to rotation of the actuating member'to cause the extensible finger to extend and capture the panel assembly at one end of the series and to release the latches so as to permit the finger to pivot the captured panel assembly through an arc of approximately 180. The pivoted panel assembly ultimately engages the panel assembly at the opposite end of the series and advances all of the panel assemblies to the next adjacent station.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a plurality of display panel assemblies are arranged with their axes of rotation lying in a common plane so as to provide a plurality of aligned panels in the display plane with adjacent edges sufficiently close so as to present the appearance of a continuous display surface. The actuating members are driven by a belt and pulley system from an electric motor, and the relative positions of the actuating members may be selected to provide a desired sequence of movement. Alternatively, each of the actuating members in each of the devices may be actuated by a separate electric motor and an electronic control may be coupled to the motors for operating them according to a predetermined pattern.

Referring in more detail to the drawings, the illustrated display device utilizes four series 21 of panel assemblies 11 disposed adjacent each other. If desired, more or less than four such series may be used. Basically, the apparatus operates to present a succession of surfaces in a single display plane with the surfaces being disposed in closely spaced relation to each other to present the appearance of a continuous display surface. While utilizing such an arrangement, the apparatus provides an attractive display which may be changed at prearranged regular or irregular intervals to present striking and unusual visual effects. Each series of panel assemblies in the device operates to present, successively, a plurality of display surfaces in pairs to form a portion of the composite display of the apparatus.

In the following discussion, it will be assumed that the device is upright as shown in FIG. 1. The references to upper and lower portions or elements are based upon that assumption. However, it is to be understood that because of the unique construction of the device, such orientation is not necessary.

By referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the construction of the panel assemblies 11 utilized in the display device 11 may be more clearly seen. Each of the panel assemblies is comprised of a pair of generally rectangular panels 22 and 23 joined to each other to form an acute angle. In this regard, the converging inner surfaces of the panels are tapered so that the panels merge sharply into a common edge 38 which is essentially a single line.

Panel 22 has an L-shaped flange or extension 24 thereon defining a groove which receives an extension or flange 26 of panel 23 to thereby interlock the panels and locate them relative to each other.

A hinge plate 27 is provided at each end of the engaged panels 22 and 23. Each hinge plate is provided with a pair of notches 29 and 31, and corresponding interlocking extensions or flanges 32 and 33 are provided on panels 22 and 23, respectively, and are received in these notches. The converging side edges 28 and 30 of the hinge plates abut the inner surfaces of the panels 22 and 23 and the combined effect of the flanges and notches referred to above serves to insure a predetermined relationship between the panels. The panels are secured against the edges 28 and 30 of the hinge plates, and thus fixed in the predetermined relationship, by means of fasteners 34 which pass through suitable holes in the panels and hinge plates, the hinge plates being of sufficient thickness to accommodate such fasteners.

From FIG. 8 it will be noted that a portion of each of the hinge plates 27 projects past the common edge 38 defined by the joined panels and, to accommodate this projecting portion, the panels 22 and 23 are each cut away adjacent their upper and lower ends to provide notches 35 which extend inwardly from their common edge. A hole 37 passes through the projecting portions of each of the hinge plates 27 and the centers of the holes of the two plates of each panel assembly lie on a common line. Each hole is adapted to receive one of a pair of aligned hinged hinge as hereinafter described. The holes 37 are so located that the pivotal axis defined by the hinge pins substantially coincides with the common edge 38 of the assemblies.

A plurality of the panel assemblies 1 1, each comprising a pair of panels 22 and 23 and a pair of hinge plates 27, are mounted for pivotal movement about the axis defined by the hinge pins referred to above. More specifically, all of the hinge plates adjacent one common end of the assemblies, i.e., the lower edge, are mounted for rotation about one hinge pin, and those hinge plates adjacent the opposite end of the assemblies, i.e., the upper edge, are mounted for rotation about the opposite hinge pin. To prevent interference between these plates, they are staggered relative to one another on the panel assemblies. That is, they are located at various distances from the upper and lower edges of the panel assemblies. This relationship can be seen most clearly in FIG. 5.

As seen best in FIG. 2, the assemblies are arranged in side-by-side relation about the hinge or pivotal axis to define a series 21, with all of the assemblies of the series disposed on one side of a plane containing the pivotal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the display assembly at one end of the series is prevented from movement away from its adjacent assembly, i.e., is prevented from undergoing counterclockwise movement, by the latch 13, while the assembly at the opposite end of the series is prevented from movement away from its adjacent assembly, i.e., clockwise movement, by the latch 14. When the assemblies are so positioned, the outer surface of the panel 22 of the one assembly and the outer surface of the panel 23 of the opposite assembly lie in a single plane, hereinafter referred to as the display plane. Preferably, this plane also contains the pivotal axis of the assemblies.

It is desirable that the outer surfaces of the panels 22 and 23 of the assemblies at opposite ends of the series be maintained in the display plane since any significant deviation from such positions would be noticeable and therefore detract from the overall appearance of the display. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel 22 of each assembly has one of the bumpers 12 affixed thereto adjacent its lower end which engages the lower portion of the panel 23 of the next adjacent assembly, thereby maintaining a spacing between the assemblies and preventing their display surfaces from engaging and marring one another. These bumpers are formed of a resilient material such as, for example, soft rubber, and they are so dimensioned that when the end panel assemblies are retained by the latches 13 and 14, the bumpers will be partially compressed and, thus, will bias the display surfaces of the end panel assemblies into the display plane. By virtue of such a biasing effect, all of the panel assemblies will be held firmly in position so that, even in an environment having significant natural or artificial air movement, they will not move relative to each other. When the panel assembly at one end of the series is moved by the actuating member 16 to the opposite end of the series, the bumper 12 of that assembly will engage the panel 23 of the assembly at the opposite end of the series and effect the movement of that member out of the display plane and, in so doing, effect the advance of all of the assemblies so as to bring the panel 22 of a new assembly into the display plane.

The bumpers 12, therefore, by virtue of their resiliency, serve to bias the display surfaces of the assemblies at the opposite ends of the series into the display plane. This could also be accomplished, of course, by the use of bumper pads employing a compression spring.

A plurality or series 21 of display panel assemblies are mounted in a frame 39. Four such series are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 but any number can be used. A shield 40 is attached to the frame and extends inwardly from the periphery of the display plane to provide a border for enhancing the overall appearance of the device. The frame is supported on a suitable base which includes legs 45.

In referring to FIG. 5, the mounting of each series 21 of panel assemblies may be more clearly seen. Each is supported on a common base channel 41 which is part of the frame 39. A hinge pin 42 extends through an opening in the base channel and is threaded at both ends. A spindle 43, the purpose of which will subsequently be explained, encircles the hinge pin 42 and rests on the top wall 44 of the base channel. A base channel insert or plate 46 is provided in the base channel spaced from the top wall 44 thereof by a spacer 47. The base channel insert 46 adds structural rigidity to the frame and stabilizes the hinge pin. A spacer disc 48 rests on the top of the spindle 43 and acts as a base for a hinge bushing assembly, subsequently explained. The frame 39 also includes a top channel 50 (see FIG. 1), the configuration of which is identical to that of the base channel 41. A downwardly extending hinge pin 55 (FIG. 1) is provided in the top channel and is supported and stabilized thereby in the same manner as the hinge pin 42 and, for all practical purposes, the hinge pin assembly at the top of the frame is identical to that described at the bottom of the frame. The hinge pins 42 and 55 are in alignment with each other and define a common axis.

The hinge plates mounted on the hinge pins 42 and 55 are spaced from each other by means of bushings 49. The bushings 49 each include a flange and a neck, the neck being disposed in encirclingrelation to the hinge pin and the flange being disposed intermediate adjacent pairs of hinge plates. The necks are of a greater height, as measured along the length of the hinge pin, than the thickness of the hinge plates 27 and are received in the openings 37 of the hinge plates. The upper edge of the necks of the bushings abut the lower surfaces of the flanges of bushings located above them. The uppermost one of bushings 49 is separated from a lock nut 51 by means of a washer 52. A lock nut 53 is provided at the opposite end of the hinge pin 42 from the lock nut 51. By tightening the nuts 51 and 53, the bushings 49 are urged axially against one another, and the hinge pin 42 is stably supported in the base channel 41. However, since the necks of the bushings are thicker than the thickness of the hinge plates 27, tightening of the nuts does not cause binding of the hinge plates, which are still free to pivot.

Each of the panel assemblies is provided with a downwardly projecting pickup extension 56. Each series 21 of the assemblies has a pair of the latches l3 and 14 which are contained in latch housings 59 and 61, respectively, secured to the base channel 41 by means of mounting brackets 62. The latches 13 and 14 are biased outwardly of their respective housings by coil springs 63. Each latch carries a pin 55 which rides in a slot 60 in each latch housing for retaining and guiding the latch in the latch housing, as well as limiting its movement into and out of the housing. The latches 13 and 14 are positioned so as to be interposed in the path of the downwardly projecting pickup extension 56 on the panel assemblies when fully extended so as to retain the assembly immediately adjacent the latch in such position. However, they are capable of being withdrawn out of the path of the extension so as to enable the entire assembly to pass the latch.

The angle of divergence of the panels 22 and 23 in each panel assembly 11, and the extent to which the bumpers 12 project from the panels, are selected so that all of the panels assemblies may be nested against each other in a semicircle or arc of about with the assemblies at the ends of each series biased against the latches 13 and 14. This is shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. In this position, the latches 13 and 14 engage the pickup extensions of the panel assemblies at each end of the nest or cluster to confine the panel assemblies within the semicircle. The exact positioning of the latches is selected so that the two panel assemblies at opposite ends of the series have display surfaces lying in the display plane. Since the adjacent edges of the panel of each series, and of adjacent series, are extremely close to each other, the aligned panels present a display which appears to be on a continuous surface.

An operating mechanism is provided for each series 21 for successively pivoting the panel assemblies 11 to bring different panels into view much as in the turning of the pages of a book. The mechanism includes the actuating member 16 which is mounted on the spindle 43 and rests on a shoulder 66 of the spindle 43 (FIG. 5). The actuating member is shown in the drawings (FIGS. 9 and 10) as a unitary piece; however, it will be understood it may be comprised of a number of separate elements. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the actuating members of the several series 21 are interconnected by a plurality of drive belts 67 and are all driven simultaneously by a drive motor 68. The belts 67 are preferably timing belts cogged with suitable mating cog arrangements on drive belt pulleys 69 in the drive wheels in order to prevent belt slippage and insure accurate timing between all of the series (see FIG. 6). The belts may be arranged so that operation of the various series is sequential or in some other predetermined order, rather than simultaneous. For example, operation of the various series may be staggered in time by suitable positioning of their individual drive wheels, the particular operation of which is described below.

As an alternative, each of the series may be operated by a separate electric motor 58, as shown in FIG. 4, which is offset rearwardly from the line on which the spindles 43 lie so as to be clear of the pivoting panel assemblies 11. The operation of each of the motors 58 is governed by a suitable electronic control circuit 57, which actuates the motors in a programmed fashion. For example, actuation of the driving motors may be simultaneous or may be in succession at brief intervals to produce a ripple effect. Various other effects may be derived through suitable programming of the electronic control circuit and, if desired, the control circuit may operate to control the speed of each of the motors.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, in order to pivot the panel assemblies, the actuating member 16 of each device is provided with an extensible finger 17 which is mounted in a recess or bore 71 in the drive wheel 16. A coil spring 72 urges the finger outwardly of the recess 71. The outer end of the finger 17 is provided with a notch 74 into which the extension 56 of a panel assembly is received when the finger is extended.

Movement of the finger 17 is controlled by means of a stationary cam 18 mounted on a bracket 64 (FIG. 6) secured to the top surface 44 of the base channel 41. The cam 18 is generally semi-annular in form and is tapered at each end so as to be symmetrical. A cam follower or pin 73 extends transversely of the finger 17 vertically downwardly through a slot 75 in the drive wheel, the slot 75 and the pin 73 thereby serving to retain the finger 17 in the recess 71. The pin 73 of the finger 17 is urged against the inner surface of the cam 18 by means of the coil spring 72. When the cam 18 terminates, the spring 72 urges the finger l7 outwardly to capture an extension 56 of a panel assembly 11 such that continued rotation of the drive wheel will cause the finger to pivot one of the panel assemblies 11.

It is important to note that by virtue of the notch 74 in the finger 17, the panel assembly is positively controlled and is not affected by gravity, air currents, vibrations, etc.

The position of the cam 18 is such as to permit the finger 17 to be urged into a capturing relationship with the pickup extension 56 on the panel assembly at one end of the series 21 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is the panel assembly to the left as the series is viewed in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. The relationship continues until the captured assembly is moved through an arc of approximately 180 to the opposite side of the series. When this occurs, the cam 18 bears against the pin 73 to retract the finger l7 and leave the panel assembly in a new position opposite its former position. Each 360 rotation of the drive wheel causes one of the panel assemblies to be moved through an arc of 180.

Operation of the latches 13 and 14 is also controlled by a rotation of the actuating member 16. In this regard, a cam follower or pin 76 extends transversely horizontally of the latch 13 and a similar follower or pin 77 extends transversely horizontally of the latch 14. The cam 19, previously referred to in general terms, depends in the form of a curved flange from the head of the actuating member and engages these pins successively so as to force the latches 13 and 14 down against the force of the springs 63 in a manner which is timed such that the panel assembly to be moved is released by the latch 13 as the finger 17 extends and engages its pickup extension 56, and such that the latch 14 is retracted after the captured and pivoted panel assembly is moved and released by the finger 17. This will be more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the operation of the device. It should be noted at this point, however, that the cam 19, which is seen most clearly in FIG. 10, is symmetrical and is thus operative to release the latches l3 and 14 when rotated in either direction.

Referring now more particularly to the operation of each series 21, as the actuating member 16 rotates to the point of pickup, the cam 18 terminates, permitting the finger 17 to extend outwardly. The termination point of the cam 18 is located so that, when the finger 17 extends, the notch of the finger will receive the edge of the pickup extension 56. Due to the biasing effect of the pads 12, the proper positioning of the panel assembly and, hence, of the pickup extension, for capturing of the pickup extension in this manner, is assured. As the pickup finger 17 captures the pickup extension, the gate release cam 19, because of its position on the actuating member, depresses the latch 13, permitting the captured panel assembly to be pivoted past the latch 13. FIG. 5 shows the latch 13 depressed and the finger 17 interlocked with the pickup extension 56.

After the pickup extension 56 has passed the latch 13, the cam 19, because of its shape, permits the latch to return to its restored position. This prevents the escape of any additional panel assemblies from the semicircular or fan arrangement. With rotation of the actuating member, the finger 17 carries the released panel assembly through an arc of approximately to its new position. In FIG. 2, this movement would be counter-clockwise from left to right.

Upon reaching the other end of the series, the bumper 12 of the pivoted panel assembly engages the panel assembly having the panel which was previously in the display plane. This moves all of the panel assemblies around in the direction of rotation to the next adjacent station. Thus, the next succeeding panel assembly is urged against the latch 13 to bring one of its panels into the display plane. At the same time, the pin 73 will once again be rotated against the surface of pickup cam 18 and will be forced against the bias of the spring 72 to retract the finger 17 and disengage it from the pickup extension 56 of the panel assembly just pivoted. This leaves such panel assembly in its new position.

Just prior to the time the pivoted panel assembly reaches its new position, the cam 19 engages the pin 77 to force the latch 14 down against the bias of the spring 63. When this occurs, the pickup extension 56 on the panel being pivoted is permitted to move freely past or behind the latch 14. Once the panel assembly has been pivoted fully to its new position, the cam 19 permits the latch 14 to be restored and to close behind the pickup extension 56 of such panel to retain such panel in position. Since, as previously pointed out, the latches operate to compress the bumpers l2 and squeeze the panel assemblies toward each other, the restoring of the latch 14 occurs just prior to the depression of the finger 17 to prevent the pivoted panel from retracting in a clockwise direction. The motor may then be stopped for a predetermined interval, if desired, after which the motor may be actuated once more and the process repeated, in accordance with a preset timer or similar arrangement. If desired, the device can be operated manually, or can be set for continuous operation for animation.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent thatthe device can be operated equally well by rotating the actuating member in either a clockwise or the counterclockwise direction. The cams l8 and 19 are symmetrical. Thus, with reference by way of example to only one portion of the movement of the actuating member, rotation of the member in a counter-clockwise direction of rotation causes the latch 14 to be released and the finger l7 retracted, whereas rotation of the member in the opposite direction would cause the latch 14 to be depressed and the finger 17 extended. This reversibility feature adds extreme versatility to the device and greatly increases the variety of effects which can be achieved by it.

The invention provides several significant advantages over devices in the prior art. The notched panel ends, the staggered levels of the hinges, and the sharp taper of the joined panels to form a common edge 38 which is essentially a single line, make it possible to support a number of panels for pivoting on a common axis coincident with this common edge, permitting the inside edges of the panels of a series to almost touch one another. This renders the gap between the adjacent panels so small that a message or picture can be displayed across both of the exposed panel faces in such a manner that the display plane appears to be continuous and uninterrupted. Wide flexibility in the number of panel assemblies utilized is possible by simply varying the size of the bumpers and the angle between the panels.

The fact that each panel assembly utilizes two interlocking panels and two interlocking hinges permits either panel to be removed without disturbing the other one, facilitating interchangeability. The manner of construction of the hinge assemblies is such that each hinge may rotate freely around the sleeve of the hinge bushing with a minimal effect on the operation of the hinges of other panel assemblies.

By operating each device by a separate motor, a wide variety of different visual effects is possible, such as ripples, fans, variable speeds, intermittent changes, etc. The fact that all rotating parts are individually isolated at the point of rotation and the manner in which the panel assemblies are retained in biased relationship behind the latches until picked up one-by-one by the pickup finger, and the fact that all pivotal movements are positively controlled due to the fact that each panel assembly is captured while it is being moved, make it possible to operate the device in attitudes other than that shown in the drawings. For example, the device could be operated upside-down, horizontally, etc. The particular operation of the pickup wheel and associated elements provide a reliable and simple operating device for effecting the desired movement in either of two directions.

The device provides a double movement which is both eye-catching and interesting to the viewer. In operation, and referring particularly to FIG. 1, every other panel moves in rotation while alternate panels remain stationary. As every other panel begins to pivot, the next succeeding display is gradually exposed. The pivoting continues until the pivoted panel assemblies have their other panels exposed and such panels are aligned with the succeeding panels such that the following display is observable. At this time, the pivoting panel assembly forces all of the panel assemblies ahead of it to the next succeeding station. As this occurs, the broken up segments of the succeeding display are pivoted into alignment in the display plane and the next succeeding display is completed. Thus, as the visual remnants of the previous display are pushed out of sight, the succeeding display is simultaneously completed. This double movement is a significant factor in attracting attention to the display apparatus.

It may therefore be seen that the invention provides an improved display device and apparatus wherein a plurality of successive displays are presented on a display plane. The device and apparatus provide reliability and structural stability at low cost of operation, construction and maintenance and furthermore provide maximum versatility and attractiveness. The display apparatus may be programmed to provide a variety of visual effects and the elements of the apparatus and device are positively actuated and retained at all times.

Various modifications and other embodiments of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such other modifications and embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the appendant claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A display device comprising A. a plurality of generally coextensive display panel assemblies each defining a first and a second display surface and having a common edge,

1. said panel assemblies being mounted for free pivotal movement about a common pivotal axis with the common edge of each panel assembly generally colinear with said common pivotal axis,

2. said panel assemblies being so proportioned and of such number that when they are arranged side-by-side in a circular series about said common pivotal axis with each assembly in contact with an adjacent assembly the first display surface of the lead panel assembly at one end of the series and the second display surface of the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series lie generally in a common display plane parallel to and closely adjacent the common pivotal axis of the panel assemblies,

B. a first coupling means on each of said panel assemblies,

C. an actuating member for pivoting the lead panel assembly at one end of the series away from its adjacent panel assembly in the direction of and into contact with the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series so as to advance each assembly in the series incident to such contact, thereby moving a panel assembly into the position formerly occupied by said lead panel assembly and placing said lead panel assembly in a position at the opposite end of the series formerly occupied by said last panel assembly wherein its second display surface lies in the said common display plane,

D. a second coupling means on said actuating member adapted to interfit with any one of said first coupling means so as to permit said actuating member to be coupled to any one of said second coupling means and, hence, to any one of said panel assemblies in such a manner as to prevent relative movement therebetween incident to such coupling and thereby insure positive movement of a panel assembly by said actuating member,

E. one of said first and second coupling means defining a slot bounded on at least two opposing sides by retaining surfaces lying in a plane generally normal to the direction of movement of said panel assemblies and the other of said first and second coupling means being adapted to be received into said slot intermediate said retaining surfaces,

F. and means for moving said second coupling means into and out of coupling relationship with each of said first coupling means in accordance with a predetermined pattern.

2. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a first latch is provided for preventing the lead panel assembly at one end of the series from undergoing unintended pivotal movement about said common pivotal axis in a direction away from its adjacent panel assembly, wherein a second latch is provided for preventing pivotal movement of the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series from undergoing pivotal movement about said pivotal axis in a direction away from its adjacent panel assembly, and wherein means are provided for releasing said first latch so as to release only the lead panel assembly substantially coincident with the effecting of coupling engagement between said first coupling means on said lead panel assembly and said second coupling means on said actuating member.

3. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said display panel assemblies is formed of a pair of panels, wherein each panel includes surfaces which converge to a sharply defined line, and wherein means are provided for interlocking the panels with the converging surfaces of the two panels disposed in face-to-face contact with the lines of convergence merging into an essentially single line defining the common edge of the assembly.

4. A display device in accordance with claim 3, wherein a hinge plate is disposed adjacent each end of each panel assembly, wherein each of said hinge plates includes an opening to receive a hinge pin common to all of the assemblies, and wherein interlocking means are provided on said panels and hinge plate to effect positive positioning therebetween.

5. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein said interlocking means includes a flange mounted on the inner surface of each of said panels and a groove on said hinge plate to receive the flange of each panel.

6. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein said interlocking means locates the center of the opening of said hinge plates substantially on a line constituting an extension of the common edge line of said panel assembly.

7. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the portion of said hinge plate defining said opening projects beyond the common edge of said panel assembly, and wherein each of said panels is cut away adjacent each of its opposite ends to accommodate said projecting portion of said hinge plate.

8. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the hinge plate adjacent each end of each panel assembly is spaced a predetermined distance from that end, wherein the predetermined distances vary for each panel assembly of the series so that when the panel assemblies are mounted on a common hinge pin, the hinge plates are spaced from each other along the hinge pin, and wherein means are provided for maintaining the spacing between the hinge plates along the hinge pin.

9. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein means are provided for biasing the panel assemblies at opposite ends of the series for pivotal movement in directions away from their adjacent panel assemblies.

10. A display device in accordance with claim 9, wherein said biasing means comprises a bumper projecting from each panel assembly and adapted to engage an adjacent panel assembly, the total extent of projection of the bumpers as a whole being such that when all of the assemblies are positioned about their common axis and retained by said first and second latches at least one of said bumpers is in a state of compression.

11. A display device in accordance with claim 2, wherein each of said latches comprises a member disposed at a fixed location and adapted to engage a portion of a panel assembly passing adjacent thereto, wherein means are provided biasing said member into the path of movement of the panel assemblies as they pivot, and wherein means are provided on each of said members defining a camming surface engageable by a latch releasing means to move said latch member out of the path of said panel assemblies against the force of said biasing means.

12. A display device in accordance with claim 11, wherein said latch releasing means comprises a rotatable cam engageable with the said camming surface of said latch member and effective to urge said member out of the path of said panel assemblies when in engagement with said surface.

13. A display device in accordance with claim 12, wherein said rotatable cam is symmetrical so as to permit it to move said latch member into and out of the path of said panel assemblies when said cam is rotated in either of two opposite directions.

14. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said second coupling means is provided with said slot, wherein each of said panel assemblies comprises at least one panel, and wherein said first coupling means of each of said panel assemblies comprises an extension of said panel.

15. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a cam follower is provided on said second coupling means, and wherein a stationary cam is provided and positioned so as to be engaged by said cam follower, said stationary cam being of such a configuration as to cause said second coupling means to be extended and retracted in a predetermined manner into and out of coupling relationship with said first coupling means of said lead panel assembly.

16. A display device in accordance with claim 15, wherein said stationary cam is symmetrical so as to move said second coupling means into and out of coupling relationship with said first coupling means on one of said panel assemblies when said actuating means is moved in either of two opposite directions relative to said cam.

l l II! t 

1. A display device comprising A. a plurality of generally coextensive display panel assemblies each defining a first and a second display surface and having a common edge,
 1. said panel assemblies being mounted for free pivotal movement about a common pivotal axis with the common edge of each panel assembly generally colinear with said common pivotal axis,
 2. said panel assemblies being so proportioned and of such number that when they are arranged side-by-side in a circular series about said common pivotal axis with each assembly in contact with an adjacent assembly the first display surface of the lead panel assembly at one end of the series and the second display surface of the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series lie generally in a common display plane parallel to and closely adjacent the common pivotal axis of the panel assemblies, B. a first coupling means on each of said panel assemblies, C. an actuating member for pivoting the lead panel assembly at one end of the series away from its adjacent panel assembly in the direction of and into contact with the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series so as to advance each assembly in the series incident to such contact, thereby moving a panel assembly into the position formerly occupied by said lead panel assembly and placing said lead panel assembly in a position at the opposite end of the series formerly occupied by said last panel assembly wherein its second display surface lies in the said common display plane, D. a second coupling means on said actuating member adapted to interfit with any one of said first coupling means so as to permit said actuating member to be coupled to any one of said second coupling means and, hence, to any one of said panel assemblies in such a manner as to prevent relative movement therebetween incident to such coupling and thereby insure positive movement of a panel assembly by said actuating member, E. one of said first and second coupling means defining a slot bounded on at least two opposing sides by retaining surfaces lying in a plane generally normal to the direction of movement of said panel assemblies and the other of said first and second coupling means being adapted to be received into said slot intermediate said retaining surfaces, F. and means for moving said second coupling means into and out of coupling relationship with each of said first coupling means in accordance with a predetermined pattern.
 2. said panel assemblies being so proportioned and of such number that when they are arranged side-by-side in a circular series about said common pivotal axis with each assembly in contact with an adjacent assembly the first display surface of the lead panel assembly at one end of the series and the second display surface of the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series lie generally in a common display plane parallel to and closely adjacent the common pivotal axis of the panel assemblies, B. a first coupling means on each of said panel assemblies, C. an actuating member for pivoting the lead panel assembly at one end of the series away from its adjacent panel assembly in the direction of and into contact with the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series so as to advance each assembly in the series incident to such contact, thereby moving a panel assembly into the position formerly occupied by said lead panel assembly and placing said lead panel assembly in a position at the opposite end of the series formerly occupied by said last panel assembly wherein its second display surface lies in the said common display plane, D. a second coupling means on said actuating member adapted to interfit with any one of said first coupling means so as to permit said actuating member to be coupled to any one of said second coupling means and, hence, to any one of said panel assemblies in such a manner as to prevent relative movement therebetween incident to such coupling and thereby insure positive movement of a panel assembly by said actuating member, E. one of said first and second coupling means defining a slot bounded on at least two opposing sides by retaining surfaces lying in a plane generally normal to the direction of movement of said panel assemblies and the other of said first and second coupling means being adapted to be received into said slot intermediate said retaining surfaces, F. and means for moving said second coupling means into and out of coupling relationship with each of said first coupling means in accordance with a predetermined pattern.
 2. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a first latch is provided for preventing the lead panel assembly at one end of the series from undergoing unintended pivotal movement about said common pivotal axis in a direction away from its adjacent panel assembly, wherein a second latch is provided for preveNting pivotal movement of the last panel assembly at the opposite end of the series from undergoing pivotal movement about said pivotal axis in a direction away from its adjacent panel assembly, and wherein means are provided for releasing said first latch so as to release only the lead panel assembly substantially coincident with the effecting of coupling engagement between said first coupling means on said lead panel assembly and said second coupling means on said actuating member.
 3. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said display panel assemblies is formed of a pair of panels, wherein each panel includes surfaces which converge to a sharply defined line, and wherein means are provided for interlocking the panels with the converging surfaces of the two panels disposed in face-to-face contact with the lines of convergence merging into an essentially single line defining the common edge of the assembly.
 4. A display device in accordance with claim 3, wherein a hinge plate is disposed adjacent each end of each panel assembly, wherein each of said hinge plates includes an opening to receive a hinge pin common to all of the assemblies, and wherein interlocking means are provided on said panels and hinge plate to effect positive positioning therebetween.
 5. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein said interlocking means includes a flange mounted on the inner surface of each of said panels and a groove on said hinge plate to receive the flange of each panel.
 6. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein said interlocking means locates the center of the opening of said hinge plates substantially on a line constituting an extension of the common edge line of said panel assembly.
 7. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the portion of said hinge plate defining said opening projects beyond the common edge of said panel assembly, and wherein each of said panels is cut away adjacent each of its opposite ends to accommodate said projecting portion of said hinge plate.
 8. A display device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the hinge plate adjacent each end of each panel assembly is spaced a predetermined distance from that end, wherein the predetermined distances vary for each panel assembly of the series so that when the panel assemblies are mounted on a common hinge pin, the hinge plates are spaced from each other along the hinge pin, and wherein means are provided for maintaining the spacing between the hinge plates along the hinge pin.
 9. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein means are provided for biasing the panel assemblies at opposite ends of the series for pivotal movement in directions away from their adjacent panel assemblies.
 10. A display device in accordance with claim 9, wherein said biasing means comprises a bumper projecting from each panel assembly and adapted to engage an adjacent panel assembly, the total extent of projection of the bumpers as a whole being such that when all of the assemblies are positioned about their common axis and retained by said first and second latches at least one of said bumpers is in a state of compression.
 11. A display device in accordance with claim 2, wherein each of said latches comprises a member disposed at a fixed location and adapted to engage a portion of a panel assembly passing adjacent thereto, wherein means are provided biasing said member into the path of movement of the panel assemblies as they pivot, and wherein means are provided on each of said members defining a camming surface engageable by a latch releasing means to move said latch member out of the path of said panel assemblies against the force of said biasing means.
 12. A display device in accordance with claim 11, wherein said latch releasing means comprises a rotatable cam engageable with the said camming surface of said latch member and effective to urge said member out of the path of said panel assemblies when in engagement with said surface.
 13. A display device in accordance with claim 12, wherein said rotatable cam is symmetrical so as to permit it to move said latch member into and out of the path of said panel assemblies when said cam is rotated in either of two opposite directions.
 14. A display device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said second coupling means is provided with said slot, wherein each of said panel assemblies comprises at least one panel, and wherein said first coupling means of each of said panel assemblies comprises an extension of said panel.
 15. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein a cam follower is provided on said second coupling means, and wherein a stationary cam is provided and positioned so as to be engaged by said cam follower, said stationary cam being of such a configuration as to cause said second coupling means to be extended and retracted in a predetermined manner into and out of coupling relationship with said first coupling means of said lead panel assembly.
 16. A display device in accordance with claim 15, wherein said stationary cam is symmetrical so as to move said second coupling means into and out of coupling relationship with said first coupling means on one of said panel assemblies when said actuating means is moved in either of two opposite directions relative to said cam. 